Discover the history and charms of the British Isles as you visit Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland. See historic royal castles, the beauty of England’s Lake District and Ireland’s countryside…you’ll experience it all on this journey through these four magnificent countries.

Highlights

15 Meals (10 breakfasts and 5 dinners)

Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours

Included visits to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Blarney Castles

Discover the capital cities of Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin on included guided tours

Visit Gretna Green, ‘the marriage capital of the UK’

Relax aboard a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere in England’s famed Lake District

Tour the medieval town of York and visit the Minster

Tour the childhood home of William Shakespeare during the visit to Stratford-upon-Avon

Enjoy a scenic journey through the Cotswolds, one of England’s most picturesque areas

Discover the ancient art of creating Waterford Crystal

Kiss the Blarney Stone during the visit to Blarney Castle’s mysterious grounds

Included tour of Cork, Ireland

See the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin

Local entertainment at dinner shows in Edinburgh and Dublin

$60 in Mayflower Money

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart the USA

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Day 2 Edinburgh, Scotland

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin immersing yourself in the Scottish culture.

Day 3 Edinburgh

The day begins with an included tour of this capital city. See the delightful contrast of the city between the 18th-century Georgian “New Town” and the medieval “Old Town”. The famed Royal Mile, backbone of the Old Quarter, runs from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle. See the iconic sites of St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House. During the visit of Edinburgh Castle see the Scottish crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, join your Tour Manager and traveling companions for an evening of entertainment with an included dinner and show. Meals: B, D

Day 4 Edinburgh to Manchester, England via the Lake District

Today’s adventure begins with the motorcoach journey through the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside en-route to England. Before leaving Scotland, learn the local legends and lure of the famous Gretna Green, known as the ‘marriage capital of the UK’, and see the famous Blacksmiths Shop which is steeped in history and magical charm. Enjoy the scenic wonders of northern England with a visit to the Lake District. A local guide may inspire you while talking about William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, each of whom resided in this area. Relax aboard a cruise on Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, as you enjoy the tranquil setting and picturesque landscape. The journey continues as you travel through the British countryside arriving in Manchester this evening. Meals: B, D

Day 5 York, England

Today’s excursion takes you across the Pennines (the ‘Backbone of England’) to the Viking city of York. A local guide will lead you on a walk through the historic Shambles, a medieval shopping street filled with character and charm. See the Roman city walls and visit the spectacular York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in the UK. After the tour, free time will be available for your independent exploration before returning to Manchester this afternoon. This evening, dinner is included at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

Day 6 Manchester to Cardiff, Wales

Departing Manchester, continue to another capital city, Cardiff, Wales. En-route, a stop is made in the traditional English town of Stratfordupon- Avon with its typical oak-beamed, gable-roofed houses. Visit the most famous house in town, the birthplace and childhood home of the Bard himself, William Shakespeare. You’ll also see the school where he received his education, and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, erected in his memory. In the nearby village of Shottery, see Anne Hathaway’s cottage where the wife of Shakespeare lived as a child. Continuing on, experience the beauty of the Cotswolds - rolling hills (‘wolds’), river valleys, and sleepy villages where houses made from the Cotswold Stone and cozy shops line the meandering streets. Enjoy a visit to one of these charming towns before arriving in Cardiff early this evening for an included dinner. Meals: B, D

Day 7 Cardiff

The day begins with a guided tour of Cardiff, the largest city in Wales. During the panoramic portion, your local guide will point out architectural sites that range from historic to modern, as well as provide history of the city. On the included visit to Cardiff Castle, whose walls conceal 2,000 years of history, you’ll discover stories from the times of the Romans, Normans, Vikings, Victorian Era and even WWII. After the excursion, return to the hotel where the rest of the day is free of planned activities for your independent exploration of this capital city. Meal: B

Day 8 Cardiff to Waterford, Ireland

A late morning departure from the hotel takes you to the port for embarkation of the ferry and the journey across the Irish Sea to Pembroke, Ireland. Upon arrival, continue by coach to Waterford, the area for two nights' accomodation. Meals: B, D

Day 9 Waterford and Blarney

Today is a full day discovering the sites of Waterford, Blarney and Cork. On a visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, witness the master craftsmen at work as you watch the process of transforming a ball of red-hot molten crystal into an elegantly crafted piece of art. Continue on to Blarney where there is time for lunch on your own before visiting the famed Castle known the world over as home to the ‘Stone of Eloquence’ or the Blarney Stone. Legend has it, if you climb to the top of the castle and kiss the stone, you will never be lost for words and will receive the ‘gift of gab’. The grounds of the castle are a curious place of ancient trees and stones, by legend a garden of Druid origin. The park has an aura of magic and mystique with Wishing Steps, Witch’s Kitchen, Druid’s Cave and many other delights, telling a story of centuries past. Before returning to Waterford for the evening, enjoy a panoramic tour of Cork with the local guide where you see the hilltop steeple of 18th-century Shandon Church, a symbol of the city. Meal: B

Day 10 Waterford to Dublin

Leaving Waterford, travel to Dublin, the last capital city to be experienced on your journey through the British Isles. On the guided panoramic tour of this historic city, travel along O’Connell Street with its monument to Daniel O’Connell and other figures from Irish History. See the General Post Office, one of Ireland’s most famous buildings, that was the rebel headquarters in the 1916 Easter Rising. Cross over the River Liffey which flows through the center of the city and catch a glimpse of the Temple Bar area. Visit Trinity College and see the Book of Kells, the famous 8th-century hand-illuminated gospel manuscript. See Grafton Street, one of the main pedestrian-zoned shopping streets and drive through Georgian Dublin, with the beautiful 18th-century houses and squares. Pass the National Museum, Parliament Building, St. Stephen’s Green and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral before returning to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. A special treat is in store tonight with an included dinner and evening entertainment. Music, song and traditional Irish dancers take the stage during a show you’re sure to enjoy! Meals: B, D

Day 11 Dublin

Your final day is left free of planned activities to enjoy as you please… continue sightseeing, finish any last-minute shopping or just relax at a pub and mingle with the locals. Meal: B

Day 12 Dublin / USA

It’s time to bid ‘cheerio’ to the British Isles as you depart for the Dublin Airport with warm memories of the castles, countryside and capital cities of your journey through these amazing countries. Meal: B

Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour. If you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Some countries require visas for entry by U.S. citizens. We will send visa applications and instructions if a visa is required for your tour. Holders of non-U.S. passports should contact their nearest consulate and inquire about the necessary passport or visa documentation required for entry into the countries visited. NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.